Persistent White Bump After Oral Ulcer: Should You Be Concerned?

Q: Persistent White Bump After Oral Ulcer: Should You Be Concerned?

Hello： You can visit the Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) department or the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery department at the hospital for examination. <br>Wishing you safety and good health. <br>Sincerely, Dr. <br>Cheng Jue-Yi, Director of the ENT Department, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministr

The ulcer in the upper jaw has healed, but there is a white bump at the site of the ulcer that is not painful. It has been present for almost a month?

Hello, Doctor.
Last month, I had an ulcer on my upper jaw that was very painful.
It took about two weeks to heal and stopped hurting.
However, I noticed that there is a white bump where the ulcer was, which looks like an ulcer but is not painful.
At first, I thought it was healing, but it has been three weeks now, and there hasn't been much change.
Could this be leukoplakia or cancer? Additionally, I have been experiencing recurrent sores in different areas of my mouth over the past month; when one area heals, another one breaks out.
I have been taking vitamin B, but as soon as I stop, the sores start again.
What could be going on? If I need to get checked, should I see a dentist or an ENT specialist?

Niming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/04/18

Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology

Hello: You can visit the Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) department or the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery department at the hospital for examination.
Wishing you safety and good health.
Sincerely, Dr.
Cheng Jue-Yi, Director of the ENT Department, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2017/04/18

More Info

Hello! Thank you for sharing your concerns regarding the persistent white bump in your mouth following an oral ulcer. It’s understandable to feel anxious about changes in your oral health, especially when they persist for an extended period. Let’s break down your situation and address your questions.

First, it’s important to recognize that oral ulcers can take time to heal completely. The presence of a white bump after an ulcer has healed can be due to several reasons. Often, this white appearance is related to the healing process itself. When an ulcer heals, the new tissue may appear white or pale due to the presence of fibrin, a protein involved in the healing process, or it may be the result of keratinization, where the skin cells become thicker as they heal. However, if this white bump persists for more than a few weeks without any signs of improvement, it’s wise to have it evaluated further.

You mentioned that you have experienced multiple ulcers in different areas of your mouth over the past month. This recurrent issue could be indicative of several underlying conditions. One possibility is that you may be experiencing recurrent aphthous stomatitis, which is characterized by the formation of painful ulcers in the mouth. Stress, certain food sensitivities, and nutritional deficiencies (such as vitamin B deficiencies) can contribute to this condition. Since you noted that taking vitamin B seems to help, it may be worthwhile to continue this supplementation, but also consider discussing it with your healthcare provider to ensure you are addressing any potential deficiencies appropriately.

Regarding your concerns about the white bump being a leukoplakia (a type of white patch that can be precancerous) or oral cancer, it’s crucial to have any persistent lesions evaluated by a healthcare professional. While the majority of oral ulcers and white patches are benign, especially if they are not painful and have not changed significantly, it’s always best to err on the side of caution. A biopsy may be necessary to rule out any serious conditions, especially if the lesion continues to persist without improvement.

As for which specialist to consult, both a dentist and an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist can provide valuable insights. A dentist can assess the oral cavity for any dental-related issues, while an ENT specialist can evaluate the throat and surrounding areas, particularly if you have other symptoms like throat discomfort. If you have already seen a dentist, it may be beneficial to follow up with an ENT specialist, especially given the recurrent nature of your ulcers and the persistent white bump.

In summary, while the white bump may be a normal part of the healing process, its persistence warrants further evaluation. Keep monitoring your symptoms, maintain good oral hygiene, and consider dietary adjustments or supplements as needed. If the bump does not resolve or if you experience any new symptoms, please seek medical attention promptly. Regular follow-ups with healthcare professionals will help ensure that any potential issues are addressed early on. Take care, and I hope you find relief soon!

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